Lightsource bp is focused on delivering reliable, flexible solutions that meet energy needs around the clock. Energy storage is critical to advancing our resilient energy future.
Simply put, utility-scale battery storage systems work by storing energy in rechargeable batteries and releasing it into the grid at a later time to deliver electricity or other grid services. Without energy storage, electricity must be produced and consumed at exactly the same time. Energy storage systems allow electricity to be stored—and then discharged—at the most strategic and vital times, and locations.
Co-located energy storage systems are installed alongside renewable generation sources such as solar farms. Co-locating solar and storage improves project efficiency and can often reduce total expenses by sharing balance of system costs across assets. Co-located energy storage systems can be either DC or AC coupled.
BESS can also store energy from renewable as well as non-renewable sources. Standalone batteries are charged from the electric grid, and are not physically co-located with a solar farm. These independent systems respond to overall grid conditions to provide critical grid level or distribution level services.
The battery modules are the heart of the system, storing energy and dispatching it when needed. A battery is made up of lithium cells, wired together to create a module. The modules are then stacked and combined to form a battery rack.
Battery racks are installed within a UL-rated, noncombustible enclosure designed to withstand seismic activity, heavy weather, and high-winds. Enclosures come in different shapes and sizes but are typically smaller than a 40 foot shipping container. Enclosures are typically equipped with a liquid cooled system that uses a combination of chiller and HVAC to keep batteries within certain temperature ranges. If an elevated temperature is reached, the system will automatically be shut down.
Battery systems store and deliver electricity as direct current (DC), while our electric grid and most loads operate on alternating current (AC). The PCS or bi-directional inverter is used to convert DC to AC to discharge batteries and also AC to DC power to charge the batteries.
SCADA (supervisory control and data acquisition) is a control system that enables monitoring of the battery energy storage system. SCADA focuses on real-time monitoring, control, and data acquisition of the BESS itself, while EMS takes a broader view, optimizing the operation of the entire power system, including the BESS, to ensure efficient and reliable energy management. At Lightsource bp, we ensure the SCADA system is up and running, 24/7, with backup power integrated as an additional safety measure.
Battery storage creates a smarter, more flexible, and more reliable grid. BESS also plays a pivotal role in the integration of renewable energy sources, such as solar, by mitigating intermittency issues. Storing excess energy during peak production periods ensures a consistent power supply during periods of low renewable generation, enhancing grid resilience and promoting higher renewable energy penetration.
The ability of utility-scale batteries to nimbly draw energy from the grid during certain periods and discharge it to the grid at other periods creates opportunities for electricity dispatch optimization strategies based on system or economic conditions.
Utility-scale storage refers to technologies connected to the power grid that can store energy and then supply it back to the grid at a more advantageous time – for example, at night, when no solar power is available, or during a weather event that disrupts electricity generation. Batteries are playing a growing role as they can be installed anywhere in a wide range of capacities.
Solar firming with energy storage uses the asset to "firm" or smooth any gaps that may arise between the solar energy supply and the demand due to weather or time of day.
Because electricity historically could not be stored, electricity prices are usually time-dependent – i.e., they are more expensive during times when people need it most (e.g., a hot summer afternoon) and cheapest when it''s needed least. Energy arbitrage takes advantage of "time of use" electricity pricing by charging an energy storage system when electricity is cheapest and discharging during peak periods, when it is most expensive. Discharging when demand is high increases supply and can also help to ultimately lower costs.
Grid operations require a constant balance between demand and supply to maintain stable and desired frequency and voltage levels. BESS provides grid operators with fast-response capabilities, allowing for ancillary services such as frequency regulation and voltage support. The instantaneous power injection or absorption capability of batteries helps maintain grid stability and improve overall reliability.
Utility-scale battery storage systems are uniquely equipped to deliver a faster response rate to grid signals compared to conventional coal and gas generators. BESS could ramp up or ramp down its capacity from 0% to 100% in matter of seconds and can absorb power from the grid unlike thermal generators.
A common use for batteries is frequency response. Frequency response is a service that maintains grid frequency as close to 60 hertz (Hz) as reasonably possible. Deviations below 60 Hz can lead to protective generator trips that result in a subsequent decline in system stability. Batteries are particularly well suited for frequency regulation because their output does not require any startup time and batteries can quickly absorb surges.
Ramping or spinning reserve is a set of ancillary services in which generators quickly respond to system disruptions, such as a sudden loss of generation or a rapid change in demand.
The power lines on which electricity is transported (transmission and distribution lines) are expensive to build and maintain, and difficult to site. By increasing capacity and resiliency on the grid at the most strategic times and places, intelligently deployed energy storage can avoid or defer the need to build out new T&D architecture.
By reducing transmission and distribution losses, BESS improves grid efficiency. The ability to store and dispatch electricity at strategic locations reduces the need for infrastructure upgrades and transmission line losses, optimizing the utilization of existing grid resources.
Safety is a core value and paramount in all that we do at Lightsource bp. We are dedicated to making sure our solar and storage projects are designed, constructed and operated to the highest possible standards, and we take measures to ensure we deliver safe energy storage systems.
Note: While the information covered here outlines our general best practices for utility-scale energy storage, each battery system and site are unique with bespoke system solutions.
Battery energy storage systems (BESS) are essential for America''s energy security and independence, and for the reliability of our electricity supply. But as with any new technology, people may have questions and so we have put together a list of the most asked questions, and their answers, such as:
About Bess energy storage solutions
As the photovoltaic (PV) industry continues to evolve, advancements in Bess energy storage solutions have become critical to optimizing the utilization of renewable energy sources. From innovative battery technologies to intelligent energy management systems, these solutions are transforming the way we store and distribute solar-generated electricity.
When you're looking for the latest and most efficient Bess energy storage solutions for your PV project, our website offers a comprehensive selection of cutting-edge products designed to meet your specific requirements. Whether you're a renewable energy developer, utility company, or commercial enterprise looking to reduce your carbon footprint, we have the solutions to help you harness the full potential of solar energy.
By interacting with our online customer service, you'll gain a deep understanding of the various Bess energy storage solutions featured in our extensive catalog, such as high-efficiency storage batteries and intelligent energy management systems, and how they work together to provide a stable and reliable power supply for your PV projects.
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